Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Greenpeace apologises for Nazca stunt

Greenpeace has apologised for any 'moral offence' it has caused, after a publicity stunt on the ancient Nazca lines in Peru.

Activists from the organisation placed a banner next to a figure of a hummingbird, carved more than 1,500 years ago.

They were hoping to increase pressure on UN negotiators currently meeting in Lima.

The Peruvian government said it would prosecute the activists who took part.

The ancient depictions of animals, including a monkey and a hummingbird that are etched into the arid plain of Southern Peru are a vital part of the county's heritage.

Visits to the site are closely supervised - ministers and presidents have to seek special permission and special footwear to tread on the fragile ground where the 1,500 year old lines are cut.

Earlier this week 20 Greenpeace activists from seven countries unfurled a protest banner very close to the location of the lines.

'Slap in the face'

'With our message from the Nazca lines, we expect politicians to understand the legacy we need to leave for future generations,' said one of the activists, Mauro Fernandez, on a video produced by the organisation.

'It is not a legacy of climate crisis.'

Unfortunately, according to the Peruvian authorities, the legacy of the stunt was damage to the ancient site.

They say the green group entered a strictly prohibited area and left footprints. The government is asking for the identities of those involved and threatening prosecution and six years in prison for the offenders.

Greenpeace have now issued a carefully worded apology, saying they are deeply concerned about any 'moral offence' and stating that they will speak to the authorities and explain what really happened.

'The peaceful protest by Greenpeace in the area of the Nazca lines was to demonstrate the impacts of climate change and honour the historical legacy of this town who learned to live with the environment without affecting it,' said Dr Henry Carhuatocto from the group.